Here Is a Simple Guide How to Build a DIY Brick Pizza Oven

Those who love backyard cooking and gatherings may like the idea of building their own brick pizza oven. Such a project would require considerable DIY experience, but with some skill and creativity, it is well worth the effort. Also, a brick backyard pizza oven allows for the baking of other dishes as well.

A Homemade Brick Pizza Oven

Begin by preparing the pad site. Dig and level the area, and build a form using 2×10 boards. Fill the form with class V gravel, leaving eight inches from the top. Compact the base and ensure proper water drainage. Once ready, pour concrete mix into the form and screed the top surface. Trowel the concrete and allow it to cure for a day before removing the form.

Construct a form for the capstone using melamine. Apply silicone at the bottom corners of the form and fill it with a lightweight countertop concrete mix. Place fiberglass rebar within the concrete and trowel the surface. Let the capstone cure for several days before removing the form.

Outline the base on the concrete pad and lay the first course of concrete blocks. Use mortar for the first course if your pad slopes, ensuring a level base. Continue setting the rest of the blocks with landscape adhesive, keeping the structure square, plumb, and level.

Using Quality Materials Is Crucial

Once the adhesive dries, fill the cores of the blocks with concrete mix and rebar. This ensures a solid attachment between the base and the pad. Pre-drill the pad for rebar before setting the first course of blocks.

Remove the form from the capstone, clean any excess silicone, and apply landscape adhesive to the top of the base. Carefully set the capstone in place with the help of others due to its weight.

Set bricks around the perimeter of the capstone using mortar applied with a grout bag. Cut ends off extra bricks to cover the hollow faces and ensure a clean finish. To raise the fire bricks to the same height as the perimeter bricks, set them on a thick-bed floor-mix mortar.

Finishing the Oven

Create an arch form using plywood or MDF, attaching ribs and a tempered hardboard skin. Center the arch form on the oven base and start setting fire bricks with refractory mortar. Continue building the arch, staggering the fire brick joints on each course. Apply mortar and brick veneer to the outer surface of the arch. Finally, fill in the back and veneer the flue using fire bricks and mortar.

By following these simplified steps, any enthusiast can successfully construct their own brick pizza oven in their backyard. It is important to take the necessary time, pay attention to details, and ensure proper curing of all materials. Once complete, the brick oven will be a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking space that will bring joy to people who gather around to savor delicious homemade pizzas and other culinary delights.